Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Henry Fiske, Jr. Memorial
Henry Fiske, Jr. Memorial

Henry Fiske, Jr.

Henry Fiske, Jr.

Saturday, October 30th, 2021

My blessed Hank began his journey to Heaven October 30, 2021.  He was greeted into the arms of Jesus and his children, Henry and Angel.  Though quiet spoken and not able to speak the past three years, Hank spoke with his actions and smile.  What a giving man.  He readily gave of himself to others, helping out when needed.  If something or someone needed him, Hank was there.

Hank loved Jesus, but not one to shout it to the heavens.  He was personal with the Lord and sought peace.  There never was a time he spoke badly of another.

Hank will be lifted up in prayer and peace, November 14, 2021 at 2:00 at the Burlington Senior Center.  Masks are required.  In his memory, consider a gift to the Burlington Senior Center or the Friendship House of Skagit Valley.  Please share your memories of Hank and sign the online guest register.

 

Guestbook

  • Nancy Fiske Jackson

    I have many happy memories of growing up with my much-loved older brother Hank. He was two years my senior and I looked up to him, admiring his inventive mechanical skills, his common-sense approach to problems and challenges. We didn’t always get along but I always knew he was my protector. Hank was much more patient than I was; he could take anything apart and fix whatever needed mending; he could run faster and harder as we came home for lunch together when we were in elementary school—he’d be ahead, but he’d wait for me to catch up and then he’d run again. We shared a group of neighborhood friends and spent weekend hours playing in the park across the street from our house. Eventually we were old enough to ride the Denver streetcar, and later the bus, from our house to a stop close to our grandmother’s house, or to go downtown to the Denver Public Library. Once at night we were on the bus and the bus broke down; everyone had to get off the bus. I was scared. We were on a busy street. Hank made sure we stayed together and had the bravery and sense to go into a shop and ask the proprietor to call our grandmother and tell her where we were.
    Sometimes Hank asked for my help. In his teens he wanted to be licensed as a ham radio operator. My job was to help him practice sending and receiving Morse Code. Hank also dismantled old radios and kept a large supply of parts and tubes which needed sorting and organization. I could help him.
    Our youthful territory was bound by family and community. We were lucky to be with our younger brother John as we took steps away and apart from the strengths of our shared past. Now Hank is still ahead of me and of those he loved and leaves behind. Remembering his bravery and sense, his boldness and his laughter, can guide us in our grief at losing him.

  • David Potter

    Memories of Henry Dunster Fiske (Hank) from his cousin and good friend.

    He was six years older than I, so my first memories of Hank date to his pre-teen years while living in south Denver. He was tall, energetic, happy and outgoing. My mother and his father were siblings. My family enjoyed our time with Hank, his dad and mom (Henry and Laura) and his siblings (Nancy and John).

    His dad was an engineer, which likely influenced his lifelong interests. In his early years his many projects included assembling a room-full of track for his electric trains during the holidays, and helping his dad build a large, high, treehouse in their backyard. Throughout his life he continued to be fascinated by mechanical and electrical systems; he enjoyed restoring old automobiles (rewiring my Model-A Ford in about two hours), repairing pendulum clocks, and likely helping his dad restore the equatorial clock drive for a large, historic telescope. After attending the Colorado State College of Education at Greeley (now the University of Northern Colorado) he started his long career as a high school Industrial Arts teacher.

    Hank, was a selfless, caring man. When a major flood of the Platte River occurred in Denver in 1965, he became a volunteer, helping residents evacuate during the emergency and later helping with the cleanup. This occurred a year after the birth of Carol and Hank’s first child, Henry, who was born with a life-threatening illness.

    I regard the unselfish love and hands-on care that Carol and Hank gave their son, Henry and their daughter, Angela Jean, who were very sick for well over a decade, as my most important and defining memory.

    The last time I saw Hank face-to-face was during a trip Carol and he took by train from Burlington to Denver. I was lucky to spend most of a day touring the old neighborhood and recalling our long friendship.

    When my cousin, John, told me that Hank was beginning to have trouble talking, I made it a point to call regularly, hoping I could help slow his decline by recalling and discussing memories. But his ability to talk steadily deteriorated and he had been unable to communicate for about three years.

    You loved and are loved by many friends who miss you greatly; rest in peace, Hank!

    Love,

    Dave Potter

  • Dennis and Pat Brady

    Although it is hard for those left behind, Hank has started a new journey in heaven, free of the constraints that he had on earth.
    We picture him taking those long walks he enjoyed, with two adorable children at his side.
    Denny enjoyed talking to Hank in his garage about cars, mechanics, electricity and how things worked.
    We enjoyed the buffets we shared. Denny called Hank “the stacker” for his ability to pile a salad plate high, including several cherry tomatoes, and never spill anything on the table!
    Blessings to you Carol for the love and devotion you gave Hank. He is resting in peace.

  • Tom Potter

    Hank was my cousin, as my mom, Abbie, was a sister to Hank’s dad, Henry. Hank and I were a half generation apart, and I didn’t know him well, but I fondly remember family dinners at the Fiske home. Hank was usually working on one of his many Volkswagens, his hands stained with years of car grease, and always a big smile—he obviously loved things mechanical. I also remember his taking photos with his new Canon camera, and his love of the great food that his mom, Lora, served at those dinners full of laughter. I also remember when our family met his new friend, Carol. He was beaming with love and pride for his future wife, and she was such a ball of energy of a sort new to the family. Later he was my shop teacher at Smiley Jr. High, keeping a slight distance to make sure our family relationship didn’t skew my grading. My brother, Dave, and I share many such memories of Hank, Carol and the other Fiske’s. And, as I try to recall, not a bad memory among them. You deserve a long rest, Hank, but you’re always living in our memories. —Love, cousin Tom

  • Edie Edmundson

    He was so pleasant to be around. I enjoyed working with him at Friends of the Library. My thoughts are with you,Carol.

  • Delbert & LaRae Blocker

    We have very fond memories of Hank. We so enjoyed getting to know him and you Carol. We think of you often and pray that you will find comfort and peace in knowing that Hank’s address has changed from Burlington, WA to heaven and that you will one day get to see him and the children again. Praise the Lord for His wonderful gift of salvation. Love you. Delbert & LaRae